Okuku, Osun State

Understand

Okuku is populated by Yoruba people. Tradition says it was founded by Oladile, a direct descendant of Oduduwa. He and his brothers Alara, Ajero and Orangun left Ile-Ife at the same time, according to Yoruba history. Oladile settled at a place near the Otin River called Iko-Ikin, meaning "clump of palm nuts". The name evolved into Kookin. Kookin was a large a prosperous town, a center for iron working. Around 1760 Kookin lost a battle with the Ijesha. The survivors moved a few kilometers north from the ruins of Kookin and founded the settlement of Okuku. According to myth the goddess Otin, personified in the Otin River, protected Okuku from invasion by enemies, and the townspeople therefore worship her.Otin was from the town of Otan, but came to Okuku to fight against invasions by its neighbors.

History Okuku was subject to the Oyo Empire in the period before the fall of Old Oyo, and then to the Ilorin Emirate, which had a representative in the town. In 1878 Ibadan was victorious in a battle at Ikurin in the Jalumi War, and posted its representative to the town. The town is mentioned in a report of 1911 of a visit by the resident Captain Cyril Hammond Elgee and the Ibadan chiefs to hear a boundary dispute between Okuku and nearby Iba. The dispute was unresolved until the late 1930s. In 1935 Ivor Frederick Wentworth Schofield wrote a report on the town. He estimated that there were 1,606 inhabitants, and noted the "energetic and adventurous disposition" of the people. The town was accessible only by foot until the late 1930s, when the first road that could take a motor vehicle was built. The farmland of Okuku was completely planted with cocoa and kola trees in the 1930s and 1940s. Yields began to fall in the late 1940s as the trees passed their most productive age and the soil became exhausted. Farmers were forced to buy or rent land distant from the town, often at considerable distances. They would live on their land from March to November, leaving the town to old

Getting there

Shared car. Shared cars found in different terminals all over the country. From Lagos, a shared car costs ₦3,500-4,000 per person. (updated Jun 2021)

Getting around

Mini-bus (Danfo). These are the main form of transportation around metropolis and cost fare depends on distance covered. Usually carry passengers numbering 10-15, depending on how big the bus is. ₦50-100. (updated Jun 2021) Tricycle (Keke Napep, Marwa). This option not so rampant and exclusive to some areas. ₦50-100. (updated Jun 2021) Motorcycle (Okada). This is one of the fastest and most common means of moving around Ile-Ife coverage in all areas. Motorcyclists usually very careful. ₦50-100. (updated Jun 2021)

By car Public vehicles usually found at motorparks are available at a fair rate. This option lowers the wait time in waiting for vehicle to be full and also time of arrival as it is faster.

Buy

1 Shopping Complex, ☏ +234 811 479 2268. (updated Jan 2022) This is a big shopping complex in Okuku where you can shop for household and other items.

Eat

1 Iya AB, University Rd. (updated Jan 2022) 2 Captain Cook Restaurant, Osun State University. An outlet where you can get bread, and other confectionaries. (updated Jan 2022) 3 Studio Food Restaurant, Okeshina Street Okeola area, ☏ +234 703 554 5899. 8AM-10PM. Dine-in, takeaway and delivery. (updated Jan 2022)

Sleep

1 Royal Spring Holiday Inn, Konta Ijabe, Ajasse Ipo - Offa, ☏ +234 903 002 3587. (updated Jan 2022) 2 Crownfit Hotel and Suite, Ekusa Road, ☏ +234 8051037866. (updated Jan 2023) Asaba Hotel, Odo-Otin. (updated Jul 2023)